Shell investigating 'suspected unexploded ordnance' at North Sea pipeline

Shell is investigating a "suspected unexploded ordnance" near a North Sea pipeline.

The device was discovered during a routine inspection of the FLAGS pipeline around 80km East of Shetland.

It was found during December 2024.

The FLAGS pipeline runs from the West coast of Scotland to St. Fergus near Peterhead.

A spokesperson for Shell said the oil company is liaising with a third party to further investigate and fully identify the object, as well as working alongside relevant authorities including the coastguard.

It also confirmed a guard vessel has been positioned at the location of the device and the pipeline is operating normally.

Shell noted finding an unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the North Sea is fairly common.

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